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Secret Fire: The Relationship Between Kundalini,Secret Fire: The
Relationship Between Kundalini,Kabbalah, and AlchemyKabbalah, and
Alchemy
by Mark Stavish, M.A.by Mark Stavish, M.A.All Rights Reserved.
Copyright Mark Stavish 1997.
11 March 1997
ForewordForeword
The following exercises are designed to assist in freeing the
most potent energy knownto humanity and resident in creation. They
are not designed for someone with little or noesoteric experience.
In general, it would be advisable to have at lest one to two years
ofpractical, daily experience with the Middle Pillar and/or
Pentagram Rituals; in addition, anequal amount of time with the
Hexagram Rituals. Several workings of the 32nd through24th Paths on
the Tree of Life would also be desirable[1], and regular practice
of once aweek or so of Rising on the Planes[2]. Common sense, a
willingness to Make hasteslowly, and a balanced lifestyle may be
the best protection against any unpleasant sideeffects of these, or
other, esoteric practices[3]. It is very important that you keep a
diaryof your practices and experiences with the exercises
given.
The amount of time it will take to experience the Secret Fire is
unknown, althoughpreparation is the best guarantee of success. The
amount of time given to each exerciseshould not exceed more than 15
or 20 minutes in the beginning, and then 30 or 45minutes after the
first half year or so. It is also strongly advised that anyone
undertakingthese exercises also maintain a regular, daily usage of
spagyric tinctures for each of theplanetary qualities of the day it
is used. This additional, slow, and methodical cleansingof the
subtle psychic channels will aid in relieving some of side-effects
of esoteric work.The nightly application of Dream Yoga is also
suggested, as this will attune the studentto the qualities of the
day while sleeping, aid in interior contacts, and may shed light
onparticular problems of the Work.[4]
While this may seem like a lot of work, it is not. Tinctures are
fairly easy to make, all thatis required is their regular use. This
takes no more time than swallowing a vitamin.Dream yoga is done as
we are falling asleep anyhow, no additional time required for
thiseither. What is does take is regularity, commitment, and
perseverance. Qualities thatassure, albeit confer, adepthood. Best
of luck in your practices. In the Bonds ofEsotericism,
Ora et labora,
Mark Stavish
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
April 1997
IntroductionIntroduction
In the Western esoteric practices there is an apparent knowledge
gap regarding the roleof esoteric practices and their effects on
the subtle, and not so subtle, bodies ofpractitioners. In the East,
all practices, whether designated as such or not, are designedto
awaken the semi-dormant energy resident in all creation, and living
beings inparticular. This energy is known as Kundalini, The Serpent
Fire, and the Dragondepending on tradition. Extreme care has been
taken, despite contradictions betweensystems, to chart the effects
of exercises on this latent energy, and how it flows through
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the physical, emotional, and psychic body, at what stages, and
in relation to whichexercises. Such a detailed analysis is lacking
in modern Western esotericism.
For modern kabbalists, the most common introduction to
ceremonial magic is throughthe Lesser Ritual of the Pentagram and
the Middle Pillar Exercise. The purpose of thispaper is twofold: to
show how this, and related exercise can stimulate the Secret Fire,
andto suggest exercises for its regulation by esoteric students who
are engaged in aHermetic path, such as general studies or alchemy,
who may have experienced itsawakening and are in need of simple and
direct exercises for its regulation.
Theoretical BackgroundTheoretical Background
The majority of modern esoteric students are familiar with the
Middle Pillar exercise, assuch, it will be the fundamental basis
for much of this article. In addition, the SepherYetzirah, and a
limited number of alchemical references will be made.
The basis of kabbalah is that through increasing levels of
density, humanity came into itspresent state of physical
incarnation and psychic evolution. Through rituals, exercises,and
meditations, the energy latent in creation generally, and the body
of the practitionerin particular, can be awakened, purified, and
directed. This energy can then be used forspiritual development,
psychic expansion, or physical health and improvement.
Creation In the Beginning Creation In the Beginning
Creation is seen to have taken place, in Western kabbalistic and
alchemical terms, in thefollowing process.
The Divine mind of God, the Absolute, or in Hebrew the Ain Soph
Aur (Limitless Light),through a series of expansions and
contractions establishes the boundaries of Creation.The first world
is the most subtle, and closest to the original state of
non-existence, andis Atzilooth. This is called the world of Fire,
because of the lively, undefined, and almostuncontrollable nature
of fire. Next is Briah, or the World of Archetypes and forms as
ourhuman mind can grasp them. It is symbolized as the World of Air,
and is the result of abarrier world that is formed by the creation
of the next World, Yetzirah, or Water. This isthe highly psychic
and emotionally charged world immediately behind the veil of
materialexistence, or Assiah. Also known as the World of Earth,
because of the solid, concretenature of material life.
The purpose of this scheme, is to show that creation occurs in
increasingly dense levelsof energy-matter, from the most subtle, or
Fire, to the most dense, or Earth. Within thiscontext of increasing
density, there also arises a series of ten planes or levels
ofconsciousness which combines with energy-matter, known as
Sepheroth, or spheres ofbeing. They occur in a pattern of: unity,
reflection, polarity, reflection, polarity, unity,reflection,
polarity, unity, and finally materialization. This basic idea of
unity-polarity-andre-harmonizing, is the basis of kabbalistic and
alchemical practices, and is derived fromthe observation of
Nature.
Each World is a reflection to a denser or more subtle degree
than the one before or afterit. Each Sepheroth is a reflection, in
part, of what proceeds or follows it. However, sinceeach reflection
is only partial, or slightly distorted, each Sphere takes on its
own uniquecharacteristics. Only the so-called Middle Four Sphereoth
have the ability to harmonizeor reflect in total all of the
energies of creation, on some level.
This zigzag of Creation is called the Lightning Flash. The
return of energy from densematter, back through the various stages,
Sepheroth, and Worlds of Creation is known asthe Path of the
Serpent because of its reverse, or complimentary zigzag nature
backup this diagram called the Tree of Life.
For the alchemist, somewhere between the third and fourth level,
or sphere of creation,energy takes on the characteristic that will
allow for the formation of matter at somefuture state, or level
ten. This energy is called Prima Materia, Chaos in the Bible,
SpiritusMundi (Spirit of the Earth), and others. Here, duality is
made complete, and genuinepolarity exists, as opposed to simply the
potential, or idea, of polarity that had existed
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previously. Energy is divided into active and passive modes,
with the active energyconstituting the energies of life, and the
passive one the energy of matter. In The GoldenChain of Homer, the
active energy is called Niter and the passive energy is called
Salt.
The energy of Life manifests in two forms, Fire and Air. While
both are predominatelyactive in nature, fire is the more active of
the two, with Air being slightly passive becauseof the partial
Water Element in its makeup. Potential Matter manifests its energy
as Waterand Earth. These Elements have nothing to do with the
material bodies of the same name,and as such are capitalized and
called Elemental to distinguish them from the earth wewalk on,
water we drink, air we breath, and fire we cook with. They are in
fact, energeticstates, each with their own unique characteristics,
as well as each of the previouslymentioned ten levels of
consciousness within them. The Elements also have preferredways of
interacting with each other, to form the Three Principles of
alchemy. There are infact, forty different ways
energy-matter-consciousness can manifest in our world.
The Three Essentials are the alchemical principles of Sulphur,
Mercury, and Salt. Like theElements these principle concepts are to
be thought of a Philosophical and not literallyas chemical elements
or compounds. The Alchemical Sulphur, or Soul, of a
thingpredominates in the animating principles of energy (Fire) and
intelligence (Air);Alchemical Salt, or the physical body of a
thing, predominates in unconscious forces,psychic, and instinctual
intelligence (Water) and solid matter (Earth); Alchemical
Mercury,or general life force, predominates in intelligence (Air)
and instinctual forces, and psychicenergy (Water), as such it is
the link, or bridge, between the higher forces of Sulphur andthe
lower body of matter.
In the mineral realm the dominant energy is that of Earth, a
little Water, and very little Airor Fire. In the vegetable realm,
the dominant energy is Water and Air, but little Fire andEarth. In
the animal realm, the dominant force element is Fire, then Air, but
little Earth.These qualities need to be understood as they have
been defined for the followinginformation to be of any use to the
practicing, or aspiring, Hermeticist. For example,using the above
definitions, we can say that the plant realm has an abundance
ofinstinctual energy (Water) and intelligence, i.e. a specific
function (Air), but little directenergy (Fire), as this is received
passively from the sun; and little hard, physical,
matter(Earth).
In the East as in the West, the idea of principle Elements and
Philosophic Principles areexpressed in more or less the same
manner. This original undifferentiated energy fromcreation is often
called in Indian philosophy, and modern occult, and New Age
circles, asakasha, or Spirit. However, akasha, consists of two (2)
aspects, one active as we havenoted, Niter, and the other passive,
Salt. The energies of Niter are also referred to as theforce of
Kundalini, or spiritual forces. In alchemy, this is the Secret
Fire. To the Salt,belongs the force of Prana, or Vital Energy.
The function of the Vital energy is to maintain physical life
forms and existence. It iscompletely instinctual and unconscious
and is heavily influenced by cosmic cycles,astrological pulses, and
other natural phenomena. The function of the Secret Fire is
toincrease in humanity, the only place where it is present, its
sense of self, or I. At thelowest level or functioning, this is the
ego, at its highest, it is Divinity incarnate, as bothare two sides
of the same coin. One is self in relation to the physical world and
others;the other is self in relationship to all of Creation and as
a co-creator.
In the vast majority of humanity, this Secret Fire, or
liberating energy of self-consciousness, lies dormant, asleep at
the base of the spine, coiled like a serpent. Only asmall amount
manages to escape, reaching a sepherothic level, or so-called
chakra, thuscreating a loci of consciousness for each person. If it
reaches the top of the skull, andbeyond, a spiritual awakening can
occur, allowing for a descent and re-ascent of theenergy, during
which the psychic centers can be awakened allowing for the
manifestationof psychic powers and related phenomena.
The Secret Fire ascends as a result of a temporary weakening of
the Vital Energy in thephysical body. This is why so many spiritual
awakenings take place under great physicalstress, times of illness,
or near-death-experiences. When the Secret Fire will ascend
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through the various psychic-physical currents causing it to be
enveloped in a sphere ofluminous light.
The experiencing of the Secret Fire, as a result of the
suppression of the physical bodysVital Energy, can create a
condition which manifests in various forms:
-Some perceive the bright light as an angel, their Higher Self,
or Holy Guardian Angel,others as a spiritual teacher.
-Astral projection may result, along with perception of the
immediate surroundings.
-Uncontrolled physical movements may also result, typical of
so-called kundaliniphenomena: shaking, rapid breathing, swinging of
the torso, uncontrolled giddiness,and sitting straight upright in
the Pharonic position.
After a period of time, the energy will descend, and return to
the base of the spine.
The effects of this awakening will take some time for the
consciousness of the individualto adjust to, and is not limited to
the non-physical realms. The physical body, althoughto a lesser
degree, is also changed and improved in functioning, constituting a
genuinere-birth on several levels. However, it is up to the mind,
or sense of I, of theindividual, to cooperate with this influx of
power if more permanent changes inconsciousness are to be made.
As we can see, the concept of kundalini, or the Secret Fire, is
linked to two polarconcepts: that of the undifferentiated creative
energy, and the second, as the seed of thisenergy locked on each
cell of material creation, and focused in humanity at the base
ofthe spine.
When this energy rises as a result of psychic experiences, and
not because of physicalweakness, it can cause the Vital Energy of
the body to be concentrated on various areasof the body, creating
physical and psychic disturbances. If the energy
becomesconcentrated in the head, it can create the illusion of a
spiritual awakening, as well as thewell known hot and cold flashes,
or currents, up and down the spine. The effects of theSecret Fire
however, and not its re-distributive effects on the Vital Energy,
can create thefollowing phenomena:
Intense pains suggestive of an illnessCrawling sensations of
ants or small bugs over the skin, as well as a jumpingsensation of
the energyA feeling of crystal clear calmness and tranquillity,
rise from center to center to thetop of the headAscending in the
famous zigzag or Rising Serpent patternThe energy can skip a center
or twoThe energy can reach the top of the head in a flash of
lightThe character attributes of both positive and negative are
exaggerated and sexualpower is increased.
If the energy rises to the top of the head, then it becomes
possible to work directly on theVital Energy within the body, and
use it, as a means of enhancing the psychic experienceand spiritual
awakening.
In short, the psychic centers must first be awakened by the
Secret Fire and purified,before the energy of the physical body,
can be concentrated upon them.
Thus, our psychic exercises, and esoteric meditations are
designed to prepare our minds,bodies, and consciousness for the
liberation of the Secret Fire buried deep inside us.Through a
progressive cleansing of the blood, nervous system, and endocrine
glands, thechains of the Vital Energy upon the Secret Fire are
reduced and eliminated, allowing theever present power and energy,
a veritable pressure waiting to be released, to spring intoaction.
Thus, the Serpent doesnt really sleep, it is we who are asleep to
its presence and
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potential blessing.
The Secret Fire and the SepherothThe Secret Fire and the
Sepheroth
So he drove out the man: and he placed at the east of the garden
of Eden cherubim, anda flaming sword which turned every way, to
keep the way of the Tree of Life. Genesis3:24
The use of the Tree of Life has been both a blessing and a curse
for modernesotericism. When understood, the Tree offers a complete
and working model ofCreation on both the microcosmic and
macrocosmic scales. However, where many fail ison the personal
level. The ability to apply the often very general information of
the Treeto personal experiences of the initiate when they deal with
physiological phenomena isprofoundly lacking in modern esoteric
circles. The reasons for this are several: Firstmany modern
esotericists simply repeat what they have learned without
experiencingwhether or not it is true on a personal level; second,
the language of kabbalah is multi-leveled, with the same word
having several meanings, thus many who are using thewords dont know
what they actually mean, or on what level it may be interpreted;
thirdlythe diagram of the Tree is simply too neat and
compartmentalized. Many kabbalists areunable to adapt to the fact
that interior reality is much more flexible than the Tree
allowswhen applied to the two dimensional page or illustration.
These problems are farther complicated by the idea of One Tree
but Four Worldsmaking much meaningful, practical information nearly
impossible to come by regardingthe crises of spiritual awakening
and so-called Kundalini phenomena as it relates tokabbalistic
practices. When compared to the clear and explicit information
available fromTaoist and Tantrik sources, it is no wonder that so
many Americans and Europeans preferthose systems to those more
culturally and historically related.
To help resolve these problems in the transmission of knowledge,
only information thathas a relationship to experience of the author
or others he has discussed this topic withwill be included here.
Theory will be stated as theory, and experience as experience.
Themeaning of common kabbalistic words will be defined, and
redefined, to keep thecommunication clear and direct. An extensive
use of confusing and somewhat irrelevantgod-forms, references to
mythology, and cosmology unconnected to the personalexperience will
be avoided.
Arousing the Sleeping SerpentArousing the Sleeping Serpent
Just as Moses lifted up the flaming serpent in the desert, so
must the Son of Man belifted up, that all who believe may have
eternal life in him. John 3:14-15
The Lesser Ritual of the Pentagram is often the first ritual
learned by aspiring magicians.Its function is to teach the basic
mechanics of solitary ritual, and to give a basictechnique whereby
destructive energies maybe repelled or dispersed from the sphere
ofinfluence of the operator. The symbols used in the ritual are
fundamental to other ritualsof a more complex nature; however, to
disregard the Lesser Ritual as somehow lesseffective is a mistake.
A ritual, no matter how simple or complex is only as effective
asthe skill of its operator. Repeated use of the LRP is can be more
effective thanincompetent or irregular use of more sophisticated
rites.
In total, there are approximately six fundamental rituals used
in Western occultismreflecting an influence of The Hermetic Order
of the Golden Dawn: 1) the Lesser Ritual ofthe Pentagram 2) the
Supreme Ritual of the Pentagram 3) the Lesser Ritual of theHexagram
4) the Greater Ritual of the Hexagram and 5) the Rose+Cross Ritual.
The useof The Flashing Sword appears to be irregular; however, it
will also be considered alongwith its companion exercise or, The
Rising Serpent.
Within these, the use of the Middle Pillar is optional, it is
however, the Middle PillarExercise which does the most to purify
the bodily energies, or Vital Energy, and makepathways for the
release of the Secret Fire.
The Middle PillarThe Middle Pillar
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I will make the victor a pillar in the temple of my God, and he
shall go out no more: and Iwill write upon him the name of my God,
and the name of the city of my God, which isnew Jerusalem, which
cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon himmy
new name. Revelations 3:12
Several variations of the Middle Pillar Exercise exist, however
their fundamentals remainthe same. Whether or not one uses the
Elements as suggested by Regardie in True Art ofHealing or the
Sepherothic/planetary correspondences as he later suggests (and is
mostcommonly used) in his book The Middle Pillar is irrelevant. The
methods used by theArum Solis will also be considered as an
alternative exercise.
The theoretical basis of the Middle Pillar is that through
imagination, breath, andconcentration, the psychic energy of
creation, here principally Yetzirah, can be directedallowing for a
purification of the Vital Energy that holds the Secret Fire in
check. As ourpsychic centers are cleansed of emotional, moral, and
materialistic residue, they betterreflect the cosmic energy that
works through them. Through its pre-described pattern ofcirculating
the energy, the Middle Pillar assists in smoothing out the edges of
our aura, aswell as increasing the flow of energy in general
directions, so that the psychic pathways,both large and small, can
be purified and strengthened through an increase of
VitalEnergy.
The pathways described for the Middle Pillar are circular in
nature. They are for the mostpart large, clear, and bright, with a
reflective quality too them. Regardie says that thepsychic spheres
should be imagined like large, clear, brilliant diamonds if no
other coloris known. Although, in the end, the entire sphere, or
extended aura, of the practitionershould be imagined as a brilliant
diamond radiating heat and light.
The beauty of the Middle Pillar is that it, like many esoteric
practices, is really a layeredexercise. Containing an almost
infinite amount of flexibility and growth potential. As
thepractitioner develops in skill and manipulation of the imagery,
the amount of newpossibilities increases.
One of central movements of the Middle Pillar is the Fountain of
Light. Here, thepractitioner imagines a brilliant force of energy
forcing its way up through the soles oftheir feet and out the top
of their head, spraying along the edges of their aura, making
itstrong and clear of any roughness, and gathering again at their
feet. This cyclic imageryis repeated several times. This key part
of the exercise, is the central part that preparesthe central
pathways for the eventual release of the Secret Fire. It is also
similar toEastern practices as seen in Chinese Chi Kung, Indian
Tantra, and Tibetan Vajrayanayoga.
This being said, it is also clear that some differences exist
between Eastern and Westernmethods of releasing the Secret Fire.
The methods of direct work on the psychic centers,and an upward
climbing of the spinal column is more traumatic than the more
generalwork of the Middle Pillar. It is for this reason, that the
techniques of yoga, save a few,that are aimed straight away at
releasing the Secret Fire, require supervision of a guru.Being that
they so restrict the activities of the practitioner, and require
close supervision,they are also systems that are impractical for
day to day life in American and Europeanculture.
While similarities exist, and will be examined, the major
differences appear to be thefollowing:
1) Indian yoga is aimed principally at liberation from the
physical realm in as quick amethod as possible. Western esoteric
practices are aimed at the perfection of matter andthe psyche
within the material world, and not an abandonment of it.
2) Chinese yoga, or Chi Kung, is more akin to Western practices,
in that it is aimed atperfection of the material world, and even
the spiritualizing of the body into a Body ofLight. It, however, is
more akin to Indian yoga, in that it starts at level of the
ethericbody (nadis or acupuncture points) and proceeds from there.
This from the bottom up,and inside out approach is different from
the Middle Pillars top down, outside in
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method. Because the etheric body is directly effected early on,
the effects are moredramatic, as well as potentially traumatic for
the unprepared. In the Middle Pillar, theetheric body is often the
last thing effected. This is because the symbolism used, as wellas
the need to develop skills in concentration, visualization, and
meditation effectprimarily the mental outlook of the practitioner
for a long period of time. Only afterconsiderable practice, of a
year or more, on a daily basis, do the effects of the MiddlePillar
begin to sink into the astral body, and eventually filter into the
etheric and physicalbodies of the practitioner. It is stated in one
source, that it takes a minimum of threeyears for even the most
advanced yoga practitioner to release the Kundalini throughspecial
exercises. A release which we have stated, is not a release per se,
but theremoval of obstacles to its natural expression. This is a
critical point, since it is often saidthat to experience kundalini
it will often take twenty years of practice of esotericexercises,
or even Hatha Yoga, the same amount of time it took Nicholas Flamel
toconfect The Philosophers Stone. During a recent workshop, Jean
Dubuis stated that itmay be possible to complete the extremely
dangerous Flamel Method in three years. Itmay be that for the
alchemist, the interior creation of the Philosophers Stone is
nothingshort of the kundalini experience, and the exterior creation
of the Stone is the ability todirect this Cosmic creative energy at
will.
3) Tibetan systems run somewhere between the Chinese and Indian,
in that they areconcerned with liberation, but also with the
creation of an etherial body made from theirbodily essences. This
Diamond Body, or Rainbow Body, is pure light and can materializeat
the will of the adept. Like the Chinese and Indian systems, the
Tibetan system usesrituals for the purification of the mind and
emotions of the practitioners, as well as thevisual images in both
anthropomorphic deities and abstract geometric forms. The Ritualsof
the Pentagram and Hexagram fulfill this function when performing
the Middle Pillar.
Thus, we can see, the major differences in Eastern and Western
practices can besummarized in function and reference point of
origin. The East seeks liberation throughprogressive untying of the
knots of ignorance that bind humanity to incarnation. TheWest seeks
to perfect the material world making material reality a reflection
of spiritualreality. Once accomplished, the adept can then proceed
to dis-incarnate at will. TheWestern approach seeks to be more
active in the world and to transform it, while theEastern approach
is to see the world as an illusion that is impermanent, and as
such, ismore passive. Such philosophies, like all beliefs and
cultures, reflect the physicalenvironment of their earliest origin.
In tropical and sub-tropical zones the concern withtime is less
important that in the Northern hemisphere where a winter without
foodstores means death for the community. The cold, harsh realities
of arctic zones produce adifferent theory and technique, and as
such, different ideal (gods) than agricultural areas.Whether one is
a hunter nomad or an established agrarian society is reflective of
thephysical landscape they live in, and as such effects values,
needs, and spiritualphilosophy and technique.
This is of critical concern whenever one is considering adopting
the esoteric practices onanother land or culture. Why did it arise,
and under what circumstances? Are those sameconditions applicable
today, and in the life of the potential practitioner? In view of
currentconditions, are the practices being considered progressive
or regressive in nature? Thatis, are they forward moving, or simply
an idealization of a mythical past golden age?
Salt, Saturn, Sexual Ecstasy, and Spiritual BlissSalt, Saturn,
Sexual Ecstasy, and Spiritual Bliss
The heart girt with a serpent is my Name! Chaldean Oracles
Salt is a symbol of wisdom and learning. Saturn, is associated
with Ouroboros, the GreatSerpent biting its tail, symbolic of
limitation. As such it is closely allied with the earth, butalso
all of material creation, and those things which border on
non-being, or Eternity. Inone 15th century manuscript, the serpent
is made of two colors, red and green. Red isoutside and green is
inside. Green, the color of Nature and of Venus, is the beginning
ofthe Work. Red, the color of the Stone, and Mars, is the end of
the Work.
Sapiens dominabitur astris. The wise shall exercise dominion
over the stars. As wecorrect the astrological imbalances (i.e
psychic centers or chakras) within ourselves,
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astrological conditions outside have less of a negative effect
on us. We gain dominionover the stellar forces and can make the sun
shine in our oratory when we will it so.
The seventeenth century pupil of Jakob Boehme, Gichtel placed
the cosmic spiral, orWheel of Nature within the human body. J.G.
Gichtels Theosophica Practica, 1898.Saturn is the crown, Jupiter
the brow, Mars the throat, Sun with a serpent around it, theheart,
Venus liver, Mercury the spleen, and Moon the sexual organs, in
straighttheosophic decent down the Tree. It is the Heart with a
serpent that attracts ourattention. Here he also places the Element
of Fire.
Egyptian initiates were also called scarabs because they pushed
along the egg of theirregeneration.
Mysteria Magica, vol 3 The Magical Philosophy: The brow included
in the Middle Pillar(called: Clavis Rei [1st Formula] The Rousing
of the Citadels) and the color scale varieswith each center. An
additional use of the rising twin serpents of the Caduceus
areincluded at the end. The brow is attributed to Saturn, and is
said to balance out theYesod center, as well as add power to the
remaining centers in the Middle Pillar as theGolden Dawn and Aurem
Solis present it.
Alchemically, Salt is derived from the union of Elemental Earth
and Elemental Water (orAssiah and Yetzirah), the Secret Fire is
hidden in the Salt (material body) and representsthe unconscious,
instinctual forces that seek release. It is sometimes called
Hellfire inthat if uncontrolled, or poorly released, it can reek
havoc on the body and psyche of thestudent, via its purifying
effects. This is illustrated by the 31st Path, or Path of
Fire,sometimes mistaken for Purgatory or Hell by the un-
regenerated who pass throughthis Path after death. This Path is
also under the direction of Mercury and Shin, thesymbols of
spiritual guidance and evolution. For those interested in
Notarikon, Shinshares the same numerical value, 300, as the Hebrew
phrase, The Spirit of the LivingGod.
I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance; but he that
cometh after me is mightierthan I, whose shoes I am not worthy to
bear: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghostand with fire.
Matthew 3:11
The letter Shin is often used in meditation as a symbol of
Divine light, life, love, orpresence. It is imagined above the
head, just touching the crown, then inside the headproper (as it is
associated with intelligence and the energy of the nervous system
in theSepher Yetzirah), descending into the heart, and finally,
expanding from there to engulfthe meditator in a sea of fire.
Because it consists of three flaming Yods, or tongues, it
issometimes associated with the flaming tongues of Pentecost, and a
variety of Trinitarianconcepts.
Several possible interpretations are available to use regarding
this statement: Onesuggests that John the Baptist was initiating
repentance as well as entrance into thewatery world of Yetzirah,
but that Jesus, was offering a path of initiation into the fire
ofthe Soul, or full adepthood. A second interpretation is that John
was offering initiation upthe 29th Path, or the Path of Water;
while Jesus was offering the harder and more rigorousPath of Fire,
or the 31st Path to his disciples. Neither of these is a definitive
answer, onlya modern kabbalistic attempt to understand Scripture in
the context of initiatic practices.The mention of the Holy Spirit
is more informative, however, as this phrase was adoptedby the Jews
during the period of the Babylonian Captivity and represents the
origin ofPersian and Chaldean influences on Jewish mystical
beliefs.
The term Holy Spirit (Ruach Elohim) is derived from the Zend
Avesta, and the phrase,Spenta Mainyu, or Holy (Creative) Spirit.
The creative power is implied and not stated inthe original, and
appears to be lost in subsequent translations into modern languages
viaJewish and Christian traditions. This Spenta Maiynu is a
purifying and regeneratingenergy and intelligence with a cosmic
host of six or seven intelligences at its command.
It [Spenta Mainyu] is the self-realizing quality or activity of
Ahura Mazda (the GoodMind); it is the self-generating energy that
leads to the creation and evolution of the
-
universe. Spenta Mainyu is dynamic and creation is an ongoing
process. For Zoroaster,holiness meant also abundance, growth, and
health. Spenta Mainyu represents theprinciple of augmentation and
development in the universe. (F. Mehr, p.29)
This power and their beings comprise the Mathrem, or Mathra,
literally, the sacred wordof power, which is the basis for the
development of the practice of mantra in India andWords of Power in
the Middle East and Egypt. Manthrem or Mathra is in its own
rightheld to be the supreme mantra from which all others are
derived, in the same fashion asYHVH is the origin of all Hebrew
Divine Names. This is mentioned because in Persia andBabylon, the
convergence of what would develop into semi-independent Eastern
andWestern esoteric practices is complete. In one respect, it could
be said to be the originalhome of yoga, kabbalah, alchemy, and
magic as we know them. Period art andarchitecture shows winged
creatures familiar to Jewish and Egyptian tradition,
planetarydiagrams, an early version of the Tree of Life, and
several variations of the intertwinedserpent motif.
The Cosmic Triangle of FireThe Cosmic Triangle of Fire
The successful adept must be endowed with a knowledge of the
material of the GreatWork; also with faith, silence, purity of
heart, and prayerfulness. After passing throughthe gate surmounted
with the hieroglyph of philosophic mercury he traverses the
sevenangles of the citadel, representing the chief operations of
the Great Work - calcination,dissolution, purification,
introduction into the sealed Vase of Hermes, transference of
theVase to the Athanor [furnace], coagulation, putrefaction,
ceration, multiplication andprojection. And even upon reaching the
Petra Philosophalis, he finds it is held in custodyby a formidable
dragon.
Amphitheatrum sapientiae aeternae, Heinrich Khunrath
Saturn is related to Mercury in alchemical text, and is given
the same ambiguoussexuality, or androgyny, and named it Mercurius
senex.
In Tiphareth, the geometric symbol is the interlaced triangles
of water and fire, or theStar of David. When expanded to connect
the planetary sepheroth of the Tree (with Saturnbeing attributed to
Daath), the Triangle of Water connects the spheres of Mars,
Jupiter,and Luna. The Triangle of Fire connects Saturn, Venus, and
Mercury.
Just as Ouroboros is cosmic energy (the serpent) limiting itself
(Saturn), Venus is thecreative cosmic force multiplying itself in
life (its vegetative nature) as a prism splits thelight of the sun.
Mercury, like Saturn in many respects, is androgynous, and controls
thefire of creation, directing it in the creation of the
Philosophers Stone. Mercury holds theCaduceus, or winged staff with
two serpents intertwined around it. The Wings representsublimation,
the serpents the basic forces of creation. There crossing over is
the psychiccenters, often given as seven in number, here
representing the colors in the spectrum,plus white (Venus). Central
to the diagram is Sol, which is the cosmic creative forceswhich
unify, enliven, and harmonize creation, and which we can hope to
contact. It iscentral, and directs and controls all of the other
planets, psychic centers, or aspects ofCosmic energy.
By contacting the fire of the Sun, we can open the fire of the
other psychic centers (viaVenus), and more easily direct the
restrictive and enlightening energy of Saturn, throughthe powers of
the Mind, or Mercury.
To understand these multi-faceted aspects of the planets,
particularly Venus andMercury, it is important to have done the
Pathworkings up to Tiphareth. While this is notrequired to perform
the techniques later in this monograph, it is a help for
anunderstanding of the theoretical part.
However, we can begin to understand the relationship of the
Spheres to each other byundertaking a series of meditations based
on the following idea:
Venus is the regenerating, sensual, active life force in its
vegetative and unconsciousmanner. It responds to heat, light, and
emotion. On the Path of the Decent, Venus splits
-
the singular rays of the Sun into the many facets of the color
spectrum, and as such, canlead us to a better understanding of the
relationship between multiplicity and unity, thepsychic centers and
planets, and their unique natures. On the Path of Ascent, Venus
re-unites the divergent energies, both planetary and personal
(psychic centers) andharmonizes it into a singular force, although
still multi-colored, until it returns to the Sunas pure light.
This Stone rises in growing, greening things. Wherefore when the
Green is reduced to itsformer nature, whereby things sprout and
come forth in due time, it must be decoctedand putrefied in the way
of our secret art. Splendor solis, Trismosin
The Stone is made through the greening of nature (Netzach) and
it returning to its source(Tipahreth) by putrefaction (Death card
of the path connecting them).
Mercury gives form and meaning to the diverse energies made by
the splitting actions ofVenus, and re-unites them as fundamental
forces, symbolized by the Caduceus. Mercuryis Psychopomp, or Guide
of the Soul, and directs the energies that Venus represents.Since
both Venus and Mercury sit at the base of the Pillars of kabbalah,
they access thematerial, astral, and mental realms, and can
influence all three to some degree. On theDescent, Mercury creates
form and structure, for the body, the mind, or the soul, and onthe
ascent, Mercury helps free us from the limitations of form, without
forgetting itslessons.
The serpent is primordial force or energy, fire and water being
the principle two ofcreation, with air and earth following them.
Because it shed its skin, it is seen as asymbol of regeneration and
renewal. It is also dangerous, deadly, can be found often
inguardian roles near springs or water as well as deserts. When
controlled or mastered, itis seen as mastering a powerful and
deadly, yet regenerating force, basic to creation, orpossibly from
which creation came.
The Secret Fire is directly linked to the sexual, (i.e.
principle and most basic creativeforces) in humanity. Here, the
relationship between bliss ecstasy and the eroticimpulse can be
clearly seen and experienced. The development of a host of
sexualyogas and sex magic(k) practices bear this out to some
degree. However, it is thesexual desire in humanity that acts as
its basic drive and evolutionary force. It alsosuggests that the
ability and need for mystical experience is biologically rooted.
Only byignoring the most basic of pleasures, sex, can we ignore the
drive to ecstatic union onsome level. The little death or petite
morte, is a forerunner of the big death as we letgo and experience
divine oblivion.
Sexual power, linked to our innate drive for mystical
experiences, is also linked to humanevolution, and some kind of
predetermined point or state to which we are being directed.
This is a significant point, in that almost all of modern
Western societies psychologicalillnesses are focused around sexual
repression and obsession.
If the Secret Fire flows freely, or with greater strength than
before, without the properpurification of the Vital Energy of the
physical body, it is possible that it will result inwhat appears to
be extreme physical, but more likely psychological, illness in the
form ofschizophrenia and psychosis, instead of psychic gifts,
genius, and either transpersonalstates, or simply altered states of
consciousness.
Wilhelm Reich, the father of Orgon Therapy states that the basis
for all mental-emotionaldisturbances are anchored in the physical
body, and that these anchors can be releasedthrough breathing
techniques, somewhat similar to pranayamana. Since the body is
theSalt of alchemy, and partially composed of accessible
unconscious elements through itsWatery Element all of our emotional
and physical experiences become indelibly marked,associated, or
stored in our physical body. If these blocks, or energy
concentrations ofemotional and physical trauma (composed of Vital
Energy) are not removed before theSecret Fire begins to flow more
intensely, the so-called negative side effects of
Kundaliniphenomena will appear.
Abuse of drugs, alcohol, and sexual extremes only worsen the
condition in that they
-
inadvertently release the Secret Fire by weakening the physical
body and its link to theastral, thereby damaging the etheric
substructure, and create energy blocks in the endrather than
diminish them, when the mind and body attempt to make repairs.
A nervous system damaged by substance abuse makes a tricky
vehicle for the clear,clean, and powerful expression of the Secret
Fire. It is through our nervous system (underthe domain of
Yesod-Luna) that we engage both the physical world, as well as
outinterior world. It links the body (Malkooth) with the
Mind-Intellect (Hod) as well asinstinctual, creative, and sensual
urges (Netzach). If it is damaged, our ability to relatefully,
creatively, and productively to these psyhco-physical-spiritual
parts of our selfbecomes endangered. If it is damaged, then our
most direct and important link to ourHoly Guardian Angel, and means
of releasing the Secret Fire safely (via Tiphareth) isthreatened in
this incarnation.
Listen, then while I make known the Grand Arcanum of this
wonder-working Stone,which at the same time is not a stone, which
exists in every man, and may be found in itsown place at all times.
It is called a stone, not because it is like a stone, but
onlybecause by virtue of its fixed nature, it resists the action of
fire as successfully as anystone.If we say that its nature is
spiritual, it would be no more than the truth; if wedescribe it as
corporeal, the expression would be equally correct; for it is
subtle,penetrative, glorified, spiritual gold. It is the noblest of
all created thingsit is a spirit orquintessence.
A Short Guide to the Celestial Ruby, Philethes.
Freeing the DragonFreeing the Dragon
How long it takes to un-block our psychic anatomy for a more
complete and harmoniousfunctioning of the Secret Fire is unclear.
It is stated that even the most advanced yogisrequire a minimum of
three years of special practice for this to occur. Since that kind
oftraining takes place under specialized and supervised conditions,
it can be assumed thatmodern Western life requires more time, as
well as self-reflection and referral, since theaverage Western
occultist, be they kabbalist, alchemist, or both, will spend the
majorityof their time working alone or at best in occasional small
groups.
Certain schools of yoga as well as kabbalah and Sufi practices
view the heart as thecenter of the individual universe, and the
most important of all psychic centers. Byopening the heart, we gain
access to our Interior Master, or Holy Guardian
Angel(messenger),characterized by a strong manifestation of
intuition. This is the final restingplace for the Serpents Tongue
after its ascent over the skull, and as Boehme andHermetic imagery
have shown, the Heart girt with a serpent is the ideal to which
mysticsaspire.
As one yogi put it, we approach the Big King first, and allow
him to direct the activitiesof the serpent language not unfamiliar
to Hermeticists.
Adam Kadmon: Secret Fire and YHVHAdam Kadmon: Secret Fire and
YHVH
For our God is a consuming fire. Hebrews 12:29
While alchemy, kabbalah, and astrology have been homogenized in
modern esotericpractices to create an almost seamless synthesis,
this is not true of earlier periods.Traditionally, alchemy and
astrology played almost no role in Jewish kabbalah[5], andwhile it
has been put forward that may Jews were alchemists, and some great
alchemistspossibly Jews[6], no manuscripts of Jewish alchemical
practices seem to exist in any greatnumber. Even the most famed
Esch Msaref, or The Refiners Fire, is a compilation ofmaterial,
focusing mainly on gematria, and not a chemical work in itself.
Early kabbalists imagined creation taking place in several
stages, from which wasgenerated the anthropomorphic image of the
primordial man, or Adam Kadmon. Thisfirst man was imagined as being
created out of the four-letters of the Divine Namestacked one on
top of the other. Yod was the head, Heh, the arms and shoulders,
Vau,the spine and sexual organs, and the final Heh, the hips and
legs. A host of attributes
-
and qualities came to be associated with each letter, and as a
whole, it formed its ownschool of kabbalistic meditation. By adding
other letters, altering combinations, andsubstituting letters based
on numerological equivalents, additional Divine Names, namesof
archangels, angels, and other spiritual beings were generated.
The oral tradition of Adam Kadmon is similar to that of the
Egyptian god Osiris, in thatOsiris was dismembered and
reconstructed, while Adam Fell to pieces, and it is thework of the
kabbalist to reconstruct the Original Adam. Each of us is said to
be a piece ofthis original soul, and it is our purpose to find our
place in Creation, via kabbalisticmethods.
Saint-Germain and the Most Holy Three-Fold WisdomSaint-Germain
and the Most Holy Three-Fold Wisdom
The idea of Secret Fire in initiatic psycho-alchemical texts
such as The Most HolyTrinsophia (Three Fold Wisdom)[7] illustrates
the point of hidden fire, associated withvolcanic power, and under
the influence of Venus. Works such as this bear a strongresemblance
to alchemical-kabbalistic texts, and either use mystical symbolism
of theseesoteric schools, or such symbols are used to interpret the
text's meaning.
In the text, Saint-Germian reportedly recounts the details of
his initiation through thetwelve degrees of Cosmic Consciousness.
The use of earthly fire in the form of volcaniceruptions, lava, and
seas of flame symbolize the presence of an underlying matrix
ofliving energy that pervades material and non-material creation,
uniting and constantlyrenewing it through what can be seen as
violent activity.
La Tres Sainte Trinsophie is comprised of twelve sections, each
with its own illustration.The most obvious alignment that can be
seen, is between the twelve sections, the zodiac,and the stages of
alchemy. It can also be suggested, for our considerations, the
sevenmajor and five minor psychic centers.
The story begins with Saint-Germain on the lava beds of
Vesuvius, later he passes analter on which is a cup, with a winged
serpent intertwined around it twelve times. Saint-Germain then
enters into a vast realm of fire, in the midst of which is a
greenish-goldserpent with ruby eyes which he must dominate with a
sword, the symbol of anenlightened will. With this act, anger,
hate, and pride are cast out of his consciousness,and the senses
are brought under direction.
In one of the scenes depicted, Saint-Germain is in front of a
triangular alter with anelaborate candlestick . Its base is formed
out of two intertwined serpents and terminatesat a lotus, with the
taper placed in the center. Two inscribed panels accompany
theillustration. The first one reads: To the strong is given the
burden and the second,Kindle a fire upon the high place that the
sacrifice may be borne upward to the DesiredOne. The final
illustration shows the heavens ablaze with light and a triangle
surroundedby a square and circle. The initiate, here Saint-Germain,
is accompanied by Isis Revealed,the goddess of life and Nature.
The pictures described illustrate that even at the end of the
Illuminist era, classicalalchemical and kabbalistic symbolism was
in widespread use by esotericists. However, itsdirection was
changed from classical, or laboratory alchemy, to philosophic or
spiritualalchemy. Just as kabbalah had undergone a radical
transformation at the hands ofalchemists and Christian mystics,
alchemy itself had also changed. While suchmanuscripts may be of
dubious value for practical laboratory work, fortunately, they
stillare of value for interior spiritual initiation an initiation
that only the Secret Fire canbring.
ExercisesExercises
The Middle Pillar
The Middle Pillar is a well known exercise to almost every
student of magic. The details ofthe exercise are clearly outlined
in Israel Regardies book of same name, and will not begone into
here. Instead, exposition of those points relevant to the Secret
Fire will beoutlined. These points are:
-
1. The establishment of Malkooth.2. Circulation of the Light3.
The Fountain of Light4. Malkooth as Kether5. Relationship of
Tiphareth to Malkooth and Kether
Secondary considerations will be paid to:
1. The Ritual of the Pentagram2. The Ritual of the Hexagram
Establishing Malkooth
Malkooth or Kingdom is a complex sphere in that it represents
several broad conceptssimultaneously. It is at once, our feet when
the Tree of Life is projected on the humanframe (and the knees and
base of spine when seated or kneeling); all solid matter, earth,and
all material creation. It is our bones, and the marrow they contain
is a personalaspect of the Secret Fire. It is important that we
have a strong sense of foundation whenwe talk about Earth and
Malkooth, so that in meditation we can remain grounded andsecure.
The stronger our sense of connection to the earth and our bodies we
have, themore energy we can generate and the easier it will be to
direct it. It is analogous to tryingto build a skyscraper on a
poured slab concrete for a foundation verses a
four-storysubbasement. The better the foundation, the stronger the
structure.
Since the Secret Fire is hidden in the Earth, it is good to
spend some time, even severalyears, working through the details of
the Pentagram rituals. Cleansing, harmonizing,projecting, and
withdrawing the energy represented there into yourself and
surroundingarea. The North is an especially important area for
concentration, in that it is Earth ofEarth, and is our hidden
gateway to the Secret Fire. Buried in the solid nature of matter,
isan underlying vibrant energy that is continually pulsating,
giving rise to form and life,and turning energy into matter and
matter into energy. This underlying nature isillustrated in the
Sign of Taurus, the zodiacal sigil given to the North. In it we see
theMoon crowning a circle with a dot in the center, or the Sun.
This combined lunar-solarsign for earthly nature points to the
theory that all matter is simply condensed sun light,or hidden
fire.
By associating the heaviness of Earth and the underlying heat it
contains (the molten,volcanic core) with our feet, knees, and base
of spine (and eventually our whole skeletalsystem), we can begin to
experience the literal network creation is formed from. Thisimagery
is reinforced by the statement that Malkooth and Kether are one.
This is felt byimaging that an unlimited stream of energy is
pulsating into and out of creation from theAin Soph Aur at Kether,
and then imaging the same for material creation as you envisionit,
at Malkooth. All to often the spheres are imagined as being static
beings or states,when nothing is farther from the truth. They are
alive, dynamic, and constantlyinteracting with each other and the
energy-matter matrix. This interaction is most clearlyseen on the
Middle Pillar and the central spheres.
Kether-Tiphareth-Malkooth Triad
In Western and some Eastern esoteric practices, all exercises
begin with a drawing downof energy from the Crown, or Kether. This
is done because Kether is on the edge of non-existence and draws
energy into and out of being. This energy is then regulated until
itbecomes manageable by our human consciousness, said to be
somewhere aroundChesed on the Cosmic scale of things.
On the personal level, Kether, or our personal Crown, regulates
the flow of energy intoand out of our bodies. We then direct this
energy through our brain and nervous system,until it becomes
manageable by our consciousness. Just as Kether is the bridge
betweenBeing and Non-Being on the Cosmic Scale, our personal Kether
is the bridge betweenenergy and matter. In our personal being, this
is the pineal gland.
-
Malkooth is the final condensing of these Cosmic forces, and on
the Cosmic Scale is all ofmaterial creation. On our personal level,
it is our physical bodies, and as an intermediary,it is the
environment we live and move in with others. Since Malkooth is a
World, that ofAsssiah, as well as a Sphere, it has its own Kether
aspect or ability to create matter thatgoes from the most dense to
most subtle. These subtler forms of matter border on theirown realm
of Non-Being or that which crosses over from the purely material to
thepsychic. In our bodies this would be the prostate and sexual
glands, perineum, and baseof the spine.
The meeting place for these two polar aspects of our being and
creation, is in the HeartCenter, or Tiphareth. Here, all of
creation is harmonized and brought into a state ofdynamic tension
and vitality around an intelligent center. This intelligence
directs theother aspect of creation so that they work in harmony
with one another for the good ofall. This is our heart pumping
blood to all of our organs, our pituitary gland, or MasterGland
giving directions to all of our endocrine system, our Solar Plexus,
regulating nerveenergy in general; and the nucleus of each atom,
cell, or the Sun in our solar system.
In its role of chief mediator of forces, Tiphareth is constantly
sending vital energy to allarea of creation, and transmitting
energy from the Crown, or highest abstract realms, toMalkooth, or
the densist levels of matter. It, in many ways, is the regulator of
this energyto such a degree that it can be said that matter itself
is actually made by Tiphareth. Inphysical terms this means that all
matter is nothing but condensed light energy. Inpersonal terms, its
means that our bodies and environment are the creation of
ourdeepest held thoughts.
To help develop a more conscious and functional relationship
between these threecenters of energy-matter-consciousness exchange,
the following exercise is suggested:
Imagine a brilliant sphere of Light with a binding, almost point
black center, just above ortouching the top of your head. Inhale,
drawing down a shaft of this sphere into yourHeart. Exhale, sending
the shaft of light through your body and legs out the soles of
yourfeet, into the molten center of the Earth. Inhale again,
visualizing the fiery energy of thisCenter of the Earth moving up
in a golden reddish stream to your Heart. Hold it,energizing the
heart in brilliant light. Exhale, seeing the light expand in heat,
light, lifeenergy, and power.
It is important at this point, that the energy not only be
coordinated with the inhalation,but be breathed up from the earth
and not forced. This can be done by imagining astrong, flexible,
hollow tube or canal running from the center of the earth, or feet,
to theheart center. The energy can also be imagined running up the
feet, as a pulse, enteringthe spinal column, and focusing
energizing the heart area.
Imagine after a period of time, that it is in the heart of the
universe, and of the adept,where matter and energy meet and are
created.
Just as our heartfelt feelings direct the limitless energy of
Kether into manifestation, sodo they direct manifestation back to
Kether, or elsewhere, if we desire.
It is very important that the heart not be overheated, and that
the energy onceaccumulated be circulated or discharged in some
fashion. This can be into a talisman, ahealing treatment, or into a
glass of cold water which is then consumed. It can also
bedischarged out the solar plexus as a general circulation to the
rest of the aura.
In addition, the vowel sounds associated with the Rose+Cross
ritual, or A.I.O. may beintoned after competency in the basic
techniques has been acquired. First, practiceintoning the sounds as
a single breath, resonating from the center of your heart. After
awhile, begin splitting the sounds so that A resonates with the
head; I with the heart; andO with the Solar plexus. After a period
of time, move the O sound down to the perineumwhere it will have a
stronger affect on the Malkooth sphere(s). [8]
Substantial resonating of the sounds in the perineum will open
up 12 different channelsthat link the spine to the legs, knees, and
feet, uniting these various functionalMalkooths. It also effects
the prostrate gland in men.
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Yesod Link Between the Selves
Yesod sits astride the gateway to the invisible, and is the
repository for all that ascendsand descends into manifestation. It
represents several key elements of our being,including our nervous
system and brain; psychic centers; unconscious yearnings
anddesires; and locus of memory. Through its sometimes dark and
troubling, but alwayspowerful waters, we can come into direct
contact with our Holy Guardian Angel inTiphareth. By imagining
Yesod as a gateway that reflects up as well as down, we can learnto
direct our psychic energies in either direction. This way, Yesod is
more than just adoorway which we knock at and hope something is
thrown out to us, but instead is aportal we can move through and
exist consciously. While much of this early expansionwill take
place in dream states, such as lucid dreaming, and spontaneous
astralprojection, eventually a greater degree of control will
emerge, in which consciousness isprojected willfully and returns
with full memory of its experiences.
This state can be quickened though, by reinforcing Yesods link
to Malkooth (for memory)and Tiphareth (willed consciousness). The
following exercises are designed with thesetwo goals in mind.
After performing the Middle Pillar, focus your attention on
Yesod. Imagine it as a largesphere extending to the edges of your
expanded aura, violet in color. Shrink it back tonormal size and
then imagine all of your physical energy, in Malkooth, and
throughoutyour body, is moving up toward Yesod. This is your
ability to move, manifest, and createin the material world. Imagine
the spheres merge and become harmonious. Now, pull itup even
further to Tiphareth, and bathe the combined material and
psychic-sexualenergy of Yesod in the golden light of Tiphareth, and
feel the three merge into one. Afterseveral minutes project them
back to their original positions.
Imagine the light of Yesod as being simultaneously dual in
nature, reflecting up towardTiphareth and down toward Malkooth.
Move to Tiphareth and do the same, imagine its light reflecting
down toward Yesod, andup toward Kether, the source of all
energy.
Imagine the Elements as pure and perfect ideas, emanating from
Tiphareth through aclear field of Yesod, and condensing into
matter. Imagine your thoughts as pure andperfect ideas, being
projected from your heart, with the combined sexual-creative
energyof Yesod, into manifestation in Malkooth.
Imagine the pure light and energy of Kether above your head,
becoming accessible inTiphareth, your heart, and manifesting as
pure creations in Malkooth, beneath your feet.Feel the energy
reverse this process, going from hard, cold, dense matter, to
abstractenergy forms, to pure, undifferentiated energy. In
addition, the Clavis Rea Formula can bean effective illustrator of
this point.
Circulation of the LightCirculation of the Light, after the
establishment of the spheres, they should be vivid,clear, and deep
in the body as well as extended out from it. This can be done in
phases,with the first phases working gently on the outside, forming
broad bands of light, andincreasing in density and power as they
begin to reach deep below the surface of thetissue, to the bones
themselves. This helps to anchor the power in the body,
whileexpanding and clearing the aura. At all times, the energy
should be palpable.
The Fountain of LightThe Fountain of Light should move through
the spinal column slowly at first, and withgreater intensity and
speed as experience progresses. The burst should be lively
andbright, with a clear fluid like flame coursing around the edges
of the expanded aura, at aradius of three to four feet on all
sides. Lose yourself in the flow of energy, as it passesthrough
your body, out your head, into your feet, up your legs, purifying
and energizingas it goes.
At the conclusion of the exercise, you may withdraw the energy
into the sub-epidermallayer of your body, feeling it strengthen and
energize the tissue, sinking into the bonesand purifying the
marrow, an essential element in long life and strong bones. This
shouldalso be done along the spinal cord, imagining that the soft
tissue between the vertebrae
-
are packed with energy and the nerve connections are strong and
vital.
The Rituals of the Pentagram and Hexagram
The rituals of the Pentagram we use for directing the principle
Elements of the materialworld (Assiah), the matter-energy matrix
closest to our consciousness, and the outer-materially directed
personality of this incarnation. It is through directing and
purifying tosome degree these Elements, that we can begin to turn
our attention inward and have theVision of our Higher Self, or Holy
Guardian Angel, that exists in Kether, communicatedwith in
Tiphareth, and reflected to us in the subconscious of Yesod.
The ego, or self-created image of self in relation to the
material world is completelydominated by these rituals, and through
them, we can adjust our sense of self, so that wemay direct our
energies toward Self. When this is done, we not only can converse
with ourHoly Guardian Angle, but realize that we and it are one and
the same.
The pentagram rituals can also be used in this same respect for
creating materialconditions that are to our advantage, as well as
spiritual advancement. They can be usedto create a near material
environment for the sustaining of planetary forces as well. Inthis
aspect, the several rituals are often combined.
The planetary rituals of the Hexagram represent the manipulation
of inner and outerplanetary forces through our own psychic centers.
They can result in direct physicalmanifestations of body or
environment, or in interior experiences of an initiatic nature.Such
initiations signify an expansion of consciousness, and increased
activation of thepsychic centers involved, and possible
generalization of the effects to other centers. Forexample: a solar
ritual will bring increased activity to the psychic heart center,
but alsoto the pineal gland in the brain as it is solar in nature.
A lunar ritual will bring increasedmemory and mental clarity, but
also will stimulate the nervous system, and psychiccenters
generally, as well as cyclical sexual impulses. A Venus ritual will
stimulate thekidneys, sexual impulses, and increase ones sense of
beauty, harmony, and artisticexpression. It will also add power to
all of the psychic centers as a result of Venus prismeffect on
psychic energy if directed properly, and increase the flow of love
to the heart.
Thus, each planet has its specific and general effects, as well
as manifestations on themental, emotional, and material planes. As
we increase in awareness, and contact moreconsciously the various
planetary spheres within us, they will appear to take on an
almostobjective existence. In these semi-objective states, we can
contact others of a similarvibration, or communicate with the
various beings of the invisible world. These worldsalso have
degrees of density, hence the use of Elemental attributes in the
vertical modeof expression. The densest world is Malkooth/Assiah,
with each of the planets having ahome in the Quarters, and Yetzirah
is more subtle and given the attribute of Water, withits own
special relationship to the Planets. Next, there is Briah, with its
Airy, expansivenature, and peculiar relationship to the planets,
and finally, Atziluths fiery nature, fromwhich the previous worlds
are but denser and more stable expressions. Just as
ourconsciousness shifts in its relationship to things when it moves
to the astral from thematerial, it shifts again when it moves from
the lunar astral to the solar astral, or mentalworlds; and again
when the move is from the Mental to the Spiritual.
These shifts can best be explained as going from object
relationships (material), tosubject relationships (I-Thou), to
direct relationships, and finally identity relationshipsOn earth we
view things as objects separate from us. In the lunar astral we
experiencethem a objects, but with a relationship to them. In the
Solar astral, we experience a thingdirectly, that is we know it. In
the Spiritual realm, we are it.
This helps to explain some of the statements made about
kundalini experiences in yoga,as well as the mystical experiences
of other esotericists. In kundalini, or Secret Fireexperiences, the
aspirant often talks of being one with creation, or having the
ability tolook inside the nature of things. This would indicate
that the energetic impulses beingreleased are expanding awareness
to the level of Briah. When the final level is reached,Atzilooth,
we become like the Biblical Enoch who walked with God and was no
more.
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This framework also helps explain why many magicians succeed or
fail at magic. Theidentity of another doing the work for us, is a
very materialistic approach to magic.Later on, after experiencing
the reality and illusions of the astral worlds, the direct,
orpersonal relationship is built, in which the magician sees the
powers being directed asaspects of his or her self, and not
exterior to their being. This form of expression is moreakin to the
level of the adept, but also the mystic, and practitioner of yoga
who visualizesthe chakras as inside their body and not as exterior
worlds, as in Western Pathworking. Atsome point however, all of
these various viewpoints merge, and systems become blendedin the
experiences and evolving psyche of the disciple. The difference is
more as a pointof origin, not as a final destination.
Note of Caution!! Note of Caution!! It is very important that
all of the following exercises are preceded bya period of prayer
and devotion to the Cosmic and that their fruits be offered as
gifts tothe Creator. They must also be started by invoking the
energy from above in somefashion, be it the Qabalistic Cross, the
Middle Pillar, the Clavis Rei, or simply as a beam oflight coming
from above, entering at the Crown, and terminating at the base of
the spineor feet depending on your posture. This is critical of any
negative side effects are to beavoided or minimized, as only energy
radiating from Kether can be contacted with outcreating an
imbalance in our system. Here, we seek to use this energy to
repairimbalances, not forget it, and inadvertently create new ones.
Also, at the end of eachmeditation, return the energy to the Cosmic
either imaginatively, or by offering the fruitsof your spiritual
labor to God.
Triangle of Fire
The Triangle of Fire represents a specific aspect of Tiphareth
and should be considered inrelationship to the Middle Pillar,
although it can be performed independent of it, or as wewill see,
as an adjunct exercise to intensify the effects of both
exercises.
After establishing your working space, focus your attention on
your heart. Imagine thegreat intertwined Star or Shield of David,
in gold, associated with this sphere. Feel theupper triangle
radiating a pulsing heat, and the lower one, a running coolness.
Imaginethem turn into a combined fiery triangle of Fire, and
glistening triangle of Water. In thecenter is a brilliant dot, Yod,
or Shin, as you decide.
The lower triangle of Water is our relationship of consciousness
to the psychic andmaterial worlds. The Upper triangle of Fire, is
our relationship to the spheres ofadepthood, spiritual
illumination, and interior revelation.
Imagine yourself as the center point, between these two living
triangles. Turn yourattention to the Fire Triangle. Let the Water
Triangle fade from consciousness. Feelyourself in the center of a
small pyramid of Fire. It you were to stand up, you could touchthe
apex. Seated or kneeling, you sense the great fire all around you.
Surrounding thebase of the pyramid is a giant serpent with its tail
in its mouth. Close your eyes and feelwith each breath, and heart
beat, the fire pulse in unison and grow more intense. The
fireradiates both outward from the pyramid, as well as inward to
its center, where you are.Lose yourself in the pulsing, living,
flame. Intone the Divine Name IAO, resonating itoutward from the
center of your heart to the edges of the universe. Feel the fire
growbright with each vibration and the serpent stir.
At some point you may feel, or imagine the serpent rising, and
reaching a point ofextension. Go with it, and view through its
eyes. Return when you are done, by imaginingthe serpent coil back,
placing its tail back in its mouth, the fire regulating, and
thetriangle merging with the triangle of water, both turning gold,
and exiting toconsciousness.
Saturn and the Secret Fire
This is special series of exercises relating to Saturn and its
relationship to other planets,and as the manifestor of Creation.
This exercise is directly related to the previous one, orThe
Triangle of Fire. When placed on the Tree of Life, the Hexagram
connects the spheresof Yetzirah and Briah, giving a gateway to
Atzilooth, with Saturn where Daath is placed.
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The Triangle of Fire is composed of Saturn at the apex, and
Mercury and Venus at thebase corners, with the Sun in the center.
By meditating on the qualities of these planets,and their
relationship to each other via this diagram, we can see that Saturn
is the secretsphere, that offers us access to the
energy-matter-consciousness continuum. Imagineyourself in the
center of the Triangle of Fire again, placing the Astrological
signs, orgodforms of Saturn, above, or above and before you,
Mercury at your right, and Venus atyour left. See them as living
and vital, with a thin strand of fire, light, and love,connecting
them.
Remember, Saturn is often given as the sign for matter, and
Venus inverted as the signfor Antimony, or the Earth. Continue this
meditation for several weeks, or once a week,for several months.
Fifteen to twenty minutes is all that is needed.
YHVH
The following method of meditation is based upon the fundamental
associations knownto every student of kabbalah. It can be performed
by experienced or novice studentsalike, although novices should
spend more time on the fundamentals to insure successlater on,
without having to go back and repeat the basics.
This series of exercises relates to the stages and Elements of
Creation and the nature ofthe Primordial or archetypal expressions
of consciousness. Those who have experienceworking with Hebrew
and/or the Elements as outlined in basic magical practices will
beable to move more quickly through this exercise. Those who have
little or no experiencein magic will find it a suitable and
powerful introduction to these concepts on a verypersonal
level.
The Hebrew doctrine of Creation sets forth the idea that the
Primordial Man, or Adam wascomposed of the four lettered name of
God stacked in vertical form to appear as sort ofstick figure
being. In addition, all of creation could be found to have it
origin in thissacred name, and it pronunciation was closely
guarded, so much so, that it is now lost.The discovery of its
proper intonation is said to bring power over everything, so much
so,that there are schools of kabbalah that only work with the
various manipulations of thisName as their form of meditation.
For us, the Tetragrammaton will be used as a visual and mnemonic
guide for ourmeditations and exercises designed to release the
Secret Fire in Creation.
The standard Elemental applications will be applied: Yod (Head,
endocrine system) isassociated with Fire; Heh (shoulders/chest, and
cardiopulmonary system) with Air; Vau(Spine/Nervous system,
including sense organs) with Water; and the Final Heh with thedot
(the hips, legs and feet, and skeletal system) with Earth.
The dot in the final Heh symbolizes the secret, hidden point of
light, life, and love in allof creation, and hidden in matter. It
is this secret force that when liberated brings us tothe heights of
divine bliss and consciousness in the original Fire of Yod.
As with all exercises, begin by drawing energy, in some fashion,
down from Kether to theEarth. This can be through the Kabbalistic
Cross, the Middle Pillar, or the Psychic Pump aspreviously
described. Once a calm center is established, and a sacred space to
containthe energy, either through the Pentagram Ritual, or
imagining a vast and empty domesphere around you (about six to nine
feet in diameter), you may proceed.
Imagine the Primordial Man in front of you, vast and towering.
Merge with the image,growing in size as you do. See the flaming Yod
as your head, and imagine that it, or a rayfrom it, projects itself
downward through the Airy world. Forming the first Heh,
andcontinues into the Watery world, gaining density and weight,
forming the Vau, and finally,into the world of solid matter,
forming it, along with the Final Heh. There, the flamegrows small,
flickering brightly, but only as a small spark, compared to its
vast andbrilliant place of origin, and to the dark, cold, solid
world of matter in which if nowappears trapped.
Identify with the solid earth. Feel your feet rooted to it.
Imagine that they, your legs,
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knees, and hips, are all heavy, solid, and firm, immovable and
dense. Feel and imaginethe great strength and stability that this
offers you and appreciate it, as it is thefoundation of your being.
Continue with this imagery, and sense a point of dense,brilliant,
heat and light in the center of this dark, solid matter. See it
grow brighter andstronger, as though it were the center of the
Earth itself. Continue with this heat andlight, and let a strand of
it move up from the center of the earth, through the layers ofsolid
matter and rock to your feet, forming a sphere of great heat and
light.
After several days, pull the energy up to your knees. After
several more days, pull it up toyour hips. After about a month of
practice, pull it up and focus it at the base of yourspine.
Extend the solid earth imagery to include your skeletal
structure as well. Breath the fireup from the center of the earth,
feel it focus around your spine, and move up to the topof your
head. Imagine that your head is an empty sphere, waiting to receive
the energyfrom below. Feel the energy course throughout your body,
focusing on the bones. Breathit into them, cleansing them of any
weakness or disease. See the marrow inside grow,and fill them with
its bright red power. Extend it across the skull, jaw, and teeth.
Asbefore, when you are done with the meditation, absorb as much
energy as you can, andsend the rest to the center of the earth,
closing off the contact.
After a month or two of this exercise, move on to the Vau. See
the energy move throughyour feet, to the spine, and move up and
through its narrow center column to the brain.Imagine that as it
enters the spinal column, with each breath, the fluid contained
therein,course up and across your brain, nurturing the tissue, and
descending back down.Imagine your senses becoming stronger and more
acute. Visualize the vast fiery energycoming form the center of the
earth as increasing your psychic sensitivity and psychiccenters.
This can be imagined simply as the nervous system becoming bright
andhealthy.
Then, move on to the next, or First Heh. Here sense the energy
as having moved up yourfeet, into the spine, and when it reaches
the upper body and back of the head, it also fillsthe lungs with
greater power and expansion. Feel yourself lifted up and expanded,
asthough your vision was made clearer, and sense of purpose, and
destiny more definite.Imagine the lungs being charged with bright,
warm healing energy, vitalizing the breathand blood.
After a few days, imagine the vital power moving from the middle
of the shoulders, downthe arms, and to the hands.
During this period experiment with projecting, circulating, and
receiving energy throughyour hands. In general, the right hand
should project positive, expansive, electricalenergy; and the left
should project magnetic, passive, and receptive energy. By
holdingthe hands together, in the classic prayer position, in front
of the chest with the back ofyour thumbs just touching the sternum,
the heart center can be energized. In addition,the energy
circulated creates a psychic belt or dome around the upper portions
of thehead and shoulders. Practice pulling energy down from the
sun, moon, planets, andCosmos through the left hand and into the
earth or a talisman with the right.
Use the classic Sign of the Philosophus, or hands raised above
the head with thumb andforefingers touching to form a triangle, to
pull energy down into both palms and outthrough your feet. Try
storing it in your solar plexus (you may want to use the Sign
ofPracticus for this) and projecting it as previously
described.[9]
Then, move to the Yod. Here after the energy has moved up to the
brain, see the headgrow bright and luminous. Feel it absorb the
fire from below and rejoicing its return.Sense the center of your
head growing powerful, warm, and bright. Focus on this singlepoint
of brightness, and then send it back down to the earth, while
reaching out to theuniverse with it. Feel yourself lost in a fiery
world of primordial power, wisdom, and love.Feel as though you are
of vast stature, towering immensely throughout the solar
system.Feel as though the planets themselves are your psychic
centers, and the sun is yourheart, the Earth your footstool and the
original point of creation your crown. When you
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are done, shrink yourself back, and shut down the
meditation.
This energy once experienced has tremendous healing potential.
By freeing our negativeand destructive thoughts into the center of
the earth for purification and renewal, weopen ourselves to more
energy and an expanded consciousness through the removal
ofpsychological blocks. Through drawing up the fiery healing energy
of the earth, andpacking it slowly, smoothly, and methodically deep
into our cells, form the bones and itsmarrow upward and outward, we
can increase our psychic sensitivity to telluric currents,weather
patterns, and magnetic conditions. In addition, we add strength,
energy, andvitality to our physical bodies.[10]
The Flashing Sword and the Rising Serpent
Yesod, Hod, and Netzach in the Secret Fire
This section examines the relationship between the sepheroth of
the Tree of Life to theSecret Fire, and the impact of two spheres
in particular that govern the nervous system,early psychic
awakening, and sexual power.
The rising of psychic power from Malkooth, effects not only the
feet and perineum, butalso triggers a response in the adrenals atop
the kidneys. This is often accompanied by asurge of energy, as
these glands are the seat of our fight or flight response. They
arealso secondary sexual organs, and as the energy drops down, to
enter into the base ofthe spine (also a Malkooth center) before
rising up the spinal cord and energizing theentire body, it
stimulates those nerves and psychic clusters associated with Yesod
andNetzach. It is from this stimulation that images, fantasies,
sexual potency andaggressiveness, and psychic awareness, sometimes
bordering on pszophrenia andpsychosis, are experienced. Intense
heat and a sense of purging may also be experiencedas a result.
When the energy reaches the area of Hod, or Mercury, usually
prior to Netzach, but notalways, it is said to be following the
Path of the Serpent. This Path is illustrated by aSerpent climbing
the Tree of Life, reversing the direction of the descent of the
LightningFlash. Here, the Secret Fire awakens the mind to magical
possibilities and structures, butwithout power. It may energize the
brain and speedup patterns of thought, insight, andassociation, but
often this may be vented through excessive talking and
verbalization, orrouting it through the throat center.
If the energy is not spent, but directed in its upward Path of
Return, or ascent, then thevery real problem of having to direct
the will and consciousness in a singular fashiontoward creating a
pathway for the energy to flow is encountered. These pathways are
themental and astral constructs, or symbols, used in magical,
religious, and esoteric rites.
The principle pathway, or map used to direct the Secret Fire is
the caduceus of Mercury.Here, the twin serpents intertwine
themselves around the central pillar, and themselvesform two side
or supporting pillars, leading to a winged apex, or crown, shaped
like apine cone, or the pineal gland.
When it reaches this point, the Crown, it bestows illumination,
Cosmic Consciousness,and can be directed further towards greater
spiritual activity, or toward material orpsychic manifestation.
This energy, or light, is like the rays of the sun (Tiphareth)
beingsplit into the many rays of the spectrum (Netzach) by the use
of optical filters (Hod).
In Hod we not only create, but also clean any existing mental
filter, so that the energyrising back towards its source may be
properly identified and experienced for what it is,prior to its
being harmonized into a single ray of light by Netzach. Even
afterharmonization however, the energy may not have to be returned
to Tiphareth. If left to itsown devices, it probably will, as that
is its natural inclination. The sudden influx of powerand energy
may create a strengthening of the recently vivified astral worlds,
of whichNetzach is the symbolic apex.
The Death card which rules the Path between Netzach and
Tiphareth signifies the task ofthe initiate at this stage of the
journey, and of the sacrifice that lies ahead. Only by losing
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their individuality, or through death, can the separate forces
under the direction ofNetzach combine to lead the initiate toward
adepthood. The reverse of this is also true inone sense, in that by
leaving the collective behind, the individual is born, the
trueindividual of Tiphareth. This suggests, that genuine initiation
can only take place whenwe are no longer dependent upon the
collective power of an egregore for our sense ofprotection,
purpose, and illumination. The watery astral womb of Yetzirah must
be left,for either the dry air of Malkooths material life, or
Tiphareths spiritual renewal.
Along with the intertwined serpents of the caduceus, we find
implied in the symbolismthe chakras, or psychic centers, upon which
the Secret Fire acts in its journey. Thesecenters express modes of
consciousness, loci of physical and psychic power, and arerelated
in various ways to the nervous and endocrine systems as we have
seen.
In Western esotericism, several methods of expressing these
psychic centers exist. Thereis the use of the planetary names, or
mundane chakras as they are called, for thesepheroth. Here, the
planets follow the descent of mezla, or Divine Energy, down the
Treeof Life and are placed at corresponding locations on the human
body. Kether, Hockman,and Binah are in the head; Chesed, Geburah,
and Tiphareth are in the upper chest andshoulders; Netzach, Hod,
and Yesod in the hips and sexual organs; with Malkooth locatedat
the feet. This works well as a mnemonic device and for the exercise
known as theFlashing Sword and Rising Serpent, but is not very
useful when it comes to attributingplanetary powers to specific
organs, as in alchemy.
Another set of attributes is to simply take the Middle Pillar
and apply either its Elementalcorrespondences as given by Regardie
in The True Art of Healing, or the more well knownplanetary
correspondences as he gives in his book The Middle Pillar. Along
the samelines, it is not uncommon to apply the ascending set of
Hindu tattwas, or Elemental signsin an ascending manner at each of
the cross-bars and spheres on the central column ofthe Tree of
Life.
While none of the above sets of designating centers of psychic
force is perfect, eachworks in its own particular area, and as
such, it might be better to simply accept thesymbols given for each
exercise without trying to create a grand synthesis that willsound
good, but be cumbersome or useless for practical purposes.
Looking at the ascent of energy from a more Western viewpoint,
it is possible to view thepsychic centers not as singular and
specific organs, but in many instances as clusters oforgans working
in concert. Students of Eastern esoteric practices will recognize
that theNew Age system of seven chakras neatly arranged with an
ascending chromatic scale isnot easily found in yoga or tantra.
Instead, what is found, is just as much contradiction and
confusion as in modernsynthetic Western esoteric systems. Whether
one uses a system of five, six, or sevenpsychic centers depends on
which system is being practiced. The addition or subtractionof a
particular center matters only in relations to the details of that
particular practice andits aims. Thus, when viewing the psychic
centers as objective realities, we enter into arealm fraught with
danger. Instead, we need to look at the centers in terms of
functionand relationship to each other. If in an exercise we notice
that a centers activities are notlimited to the feet, chest, sexual
organs, or head, then we have entered into a deeperunderstanding of
that locus of energy. If we find that other organs are being
stimulatedas well, then we will find that we have begun moving from
a strictly symbolic and mentalrelationship to the psychic centers
to a personal and experiential one. This transition topersonal
experience is what development is all about, and not simply neat
andcomfortable packages of occult lore and information as is given
in endless tables ofcorrespondences.
In one recent Golden Dawn publication[11] a set of
correspondences was given for four ofthe major psychic centers
using kerubic attributions. The root center was attributed tothe
Calf of Revelations; the sexual center to the Angel; the Solar
Plexus to the Lion; andthe Eagle to the heart. No Correspondences
were given for the remaining centers. Usingthis as a basis for
discussion and experimentation, I would instead suggest the
followinglisting as a more effective alternative:
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1st Bull or Saturn[12] or Moon[13] with Fire in the Heart2nd
Eagle or Jupiter or Mercury Water in the liver3rd Lion or Mars or
Venus Earth in the lungs4th Angel or Venus or Sun Air in the
bladder5th Spirit or Mercury or Mars6th Luna or Moon or Jupiter7th
Sol or Sun or Saturn
This suggests that the order of the planets in the spheres is
very relative to ones state ofconsciousness, and that the
correspondences at the time of our descent into
materialconsciousness may be different from the order during our
re-ascent into Eternity.
If we consider what the alchemists say about Saturn, that it is
the beginning and end ofthe Work, then this re-arrangement of the
centers may be true.
In an article entitled, From The Restored New Testament[14], the
basic idea of fourcenters of the genitals, navel, heart, and head
is used along with titles taken from TheBook of Revelations of St.
John.
Genitals 1st and 2nd centers The False SeerNavel 3rd center The
Red DragonHeart 4th center The BeastHead 5th, 6th, and 7th centers
The Cross, The Lamb, The Spiritually Wise, and IlluminationThe
Conqueror
In an accompanying chart, the order of the planets is given from
Saturn at the base, toLuna at the Crown, in straight kabbalistic
fashion, with a slightly different color scale thanusual: Yellow
and silver-white (Saturn), pale blue (Jupiter), red (Mars), green
(Sun), darkblue/indigo (Venus), orange-yellow (Mercury), violet,
silvery opalescent (Moon). Eachcenter is also associated with a
zodiacal sign, a seal on the great scroll, and one of theFour
Horsemen of the Apocalypse. The remaining five signs of the zodiac
are attributedto the Elements and Spirit.
The problem presented by the Book of Revelations, is that if it
represents a pattern ofprogressive interior initiation linked to
the ultimate experience of the Secret Fire, it iswritten in a
highly symbolic format. Many of the keys to these symbols may be
very localand period specific in origin, requiring extensive
research into 1st century era Gnostic,Christian, Merkavah, and
Greco-Roman initiatic practices.
This is not to imply that this is an impossible nut to crack,
only that it is one wherein wemust weigh the reward against the
effort. To assist those who answer this in theaffirmative, the
above keys have been given. For